CHAPTER V.The Law of the Range.
"Phew! I'm shore hungry," said Hopalong, as he and Red dismounted at the ranch the next morning for breakfast.

"Wonder what's good for it ?" "They's three things that's good for famine," said Red, leading the way to the bunk house.

"Yu can pull in yore belt, yu can drink, an yu can eat.

Yore getting as bad as Johnny--but he's young yet." The others met their entrance with a volley of good-humored banter, some of which was so personal and evoked such responses that it sounded like the preliminary skirmish to a fight.

But under all was that soft accent, that drawl of humorous appreciation and eyes twinkling in suppressed merriment.